Trump to nominate Jon Huntsman as Russian ambassador

The White House formally announced its plans to nominate former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman as the ambassador to Russia, signaling its intent to put the one-time Trump campaign critic in a leading diplomatic role.

Huntsman, who sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries for his statements and rhetoric about women, previously served as ambassador to Singapore under former President George W. Bush and the ambassador to China under former President Barack Obama. He was reportedly offered the position back in March, a move the Trump administration publicly solidified Tuesday.

"Governor Jon Huntsman has had a distinguished career as a politician, diplomat, and businessman," the office of the White House press secratary wrote in their announcement. "His robust record of public service includes service as U.S. Ambassador to China and to Singapore, Deputy United States Trade Representative, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development."

The statement also touted Huntsman's career in the private sector serving on the corporate board for Hilton, Chevron and Ford Motor Company, among others.

After initially endorsing the Trump's candidacy, Huntsman had called for him to withdraw his nomination for the Republican presidential slot in October of 2016, after the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape of the real estate mogul bragging about groping women surfaced on the campaign trail.

Huntsman has been seen as a potential challenger to replace Sen. Orrin Hatch in Utah, but the nomination will likely remove him from contention.